PARENTS

Commandments  for parents to help your player achieving their full potential! 

1. Don't force your child to practice. Obviously to get better you have to practice (duh). But forcing someone to practice only makes them resent doing so. The willingness to work and practice comes from within. It is intrinsic. Similarly, bribing a player with gifts or rewards if they achieve a certain number of hours of practice often is a losing strategy as the motivation is still coming from an extrinsic source. Instead, see below for ways to foster a players intrinsic motivation.
2. Environment is everything. The environment you create around soccer and practice is of utmost important. Remove as many boundaries as you possibly can that may make it difficult to practice. Set up spaces in your yard or basement that are dedicated practice spaces. Carve out time in your own schedule for participating in practice, or driving players to the field.
3. Foster a love for the game. Foster a genuine passion for soccer in your child. You can help them develop a love for the sport by watching games together, supporting a team together, and engaging in conversations about players. When the game becomes a source of joy and excitement, it's easier for your child to stay committed and motivated to practice.
4. Establish a consistent routine. Consistency is key to accumulating practice hours. Set a regular schedule for soccer practice that aligns with your child's other commitments, such as school and extracurricular activities. As stated above, you cannot make them practice, but working with your child to plan dedicated time on specific days solely for soccer practice ensures they have ample opportunities to train and improve their skills.
5. Emphasize Deliberate Practice. Encourage your child to engage in deliberate practice, which focuses on specific skills and areas for improvement. Help them set achievable goals, break them down into smaller milestones, and design practice sessions that target those goals. There are resources out there to help with this deliberate practice. By focusing on deliberate practice, your child can make make the most of their practice hours.
6. Support Holistic Development. Soccer is not just about on-field skills; it encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects. We have seen that fostering confidence, mental resilience, and positivity in players makes a massive difference on the field. Back this up with a healthy does of accountability and you've got a winning formula.
7. Support and encourage. Be a positive and supportive presence in your child's sporting journey. Encourage their passion, provide emotional support, and be their biggest cheerleader.
8. Focus on fun and enjoyment. Emphasize the importance of enjoying the sport rather than solely focusing on winning or outcomes. Help your child develop a lifelong love for the game.
9. Foster a growth mindset. Teach your child to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and see setbacks as opportunities for growth. Encourage them to have a positive attitude toward learning and improvement.
10. Prioritize balanced development. Encourage your child to participate in a variety of activities and sports, allowing them to develop diverse skills and avoid burnout from over-specialization.
11. Promote good sportsmanship. Instill values of respect, fair play, and good sportsmanship in your child. Teach them to value teamwork, integrity, and the importance of playing by the rules.
12. Teach goal-setting and perseverance. Help your child set realistic goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Teach them the value of hard work, discipline, and persistence in pursuing their objectives.
13. Support a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your child to adopt healthy habits, including proper nutrition, hydration, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity. A well-rounded lifestyle contributes to their overall performance and well-being.
14. Respect boundaries. Respect your child's autonomy and independence. Avoid pressuring them into pursuing a sport or level of competition they are not interested in or ready for. Let them guide their own sporting journey.
15. Communicate effectively. Maintain open lines of communication with your child's coaches, allowing for regular updates and constructive dialogue. Listen to your child's needs, concerns, and aspirations, providing guidance and support accordingly.
16. Keep perspective. Remember that sports are just one aspect of your child's life. Encourage them to prioritize education, relationships, and personal growth alongside their athletic pursuits. Help them maintain a healthy balance between sports and other important areas of life.
17. Learn How to Say No to Your Club. More is not always better. It's important to maintain a healthy balance. If club commitments become too demanding or conflict with your child's well-being be prepared to respectfully decline or negotiate these demands. Prioritizing your child's overall development and happiness is key.

These guidelines can help create a positive and supportive environment for your child's athletic development. However, it's important to adapt these suggestions to your child's unique needs, considering their individual goals, preferences, and aspirations.